Greens back STUC plans for frequent flyer levy

Britain / 29 October 2026 Farage says Reform UK members can support Tommy Robinson after harassment conviction 29 October 2026 Justice System / 29 October 2026 Russel Brand mouths words to wife during character statement 29 October 2026 Workers’ Rights / 29 October 2026 ‘No further delay’ on 50% thresholds as new union powers come into force 29 October 2026 Big Tech / 29 October 2026 Social media age checks effective but not foolproof, Ofcom warns 29 October 2026 Healthcare / 29 October 2026 Thousands of patients unable to access GPs online after collapse of tech firm 29 October 2026 Britain / 29 October 2026 Poundland on the brink of collapse with 12,000 jobs at risk 29 October 2026 THE Scottish Greens have backed STUC calls for a new tax on frequent fliers to cut the cost of travelling by bus and train.

The plans, first outlined by the STUC’s landmark 2023 Raising Taxes to Deliver for Scotland report, suggested the levy could not only raise as much as £50 million and act as a progressive replacement for the present flat air departure tax.

Scottish Green co-leader Gillian Mackay said the party “believe in taxing wealth, and protecting our planet.”

“A frequent flyer levy would allow us to do both of those, while cutting the cost of public transport and investing in services that communities across Scotland urgently need,” she said.

Arguing the cash raised could be “invested in cheaper train tickets, better public transport and continuing to cut the cost of bus travel until we have a service that is free for everyone,” she added: “With public finances under pressure, the answer cannot be to ask ordinary working people to pay more or accept cuts.

“A fairer tax system should protect ordinary holidaymakers, tackle aviation pollution and raise money for affordable green travel.

“The Scottish Greens have already secured a commitment to higher taxes on private jets and rolling out the £2 bus fare cap across Scotland.

“By asking the wealthiest flyers to pay a bit more we can invest more in the public transport that people need and build a fairer, greener Scotland.”

Welcoming the Greens’ support for the plans, STUC general secretary Roz Foyer said: “Workers are set to experience severe turbulence as the Scottish government’s public-sector reforms cut away at our public services.

“There is no time for delay. Ministers must depart from the business-as-usual excuse of blaming the limits of devolution. 

“Instead, they should use the full tax powers of the Scottish Parliament to land a frequent flyer levy, which, according to STUC research, could raise almost £50 million per year.

“We all want first-class public services and the frequent flyer levy is a direct route to funding them.”

A Scottish government spokesperson responded: “The Scottish government is introducing a private jet tax from April 2028 to ensure those who choose to use private jets pay their fair share.

“Air departure tax rates, including those for private jets, will be set out at the Scottish Budget on December 3 2026.”